Cards, Giants have framework for Stanton deal

Giancarlo Stanton has had a lot to think about over the weekend. The baseball world is waiting for his answer.

Representatives for the reigning National League MVP Award winner met with the Giants and Cardinals late in the week, as each team attempted to persuade Stanton to waive his no-trade clause and pave the way for a blockbuster deal.

Giancarlo Stanton has had a lot to think about over the weekend. The baseball world is waiting for his answer.

Representatives for the reigning National League MVP Award winner met with the Giants and Cardinals late in the week, as each team attempted to persuade Stanton to waive his no-trade clause and pave the way for a blockbuster deal.

The context behind those meetings became clearer on Sunday: Multiple sources said the Marlins have agreed upon the general framework of a Stanton trade with both San Francisco and St. Louis. Of course, those deals are on hold while Stanton considers whether he'd accept a deal to either team. MLB.com's Mark Feinsand also reported that, while there has been plenty of momentum toward a trade this week, it wasn't expected to happen Sunday.

A trade framework was a logical precondition for the Marlins to grant the Giants and Cardinals permission to speak with Stanton. If the meetings had occurred while talks between the teams were still fluid, Miami would've risked losing leverage if Stanton agreed to be dealt to one team and not the other.

The Giants and Cardinals each showed trade interest in Stanton, dating back to before the July 31 non-waiver Trade Deadline.

According to reports and sources, San Francisco's package of prospects who could be involved in a deal for Stanton include outfielder/first baseman Chris Shaw, right-hander Tyler Beede and outfielder Heliot Ramos. Per MLBPipeline.com, those are the Giants' second-, third- and fourth-rated prospects, respectively. Second baseman Joe Panik has also been mentioned.

The Cardinals have pitching prospects the Marlins have targeted, such as right-handers Jack Flaherty and Sandy Alcantara. Flaherty is rated as St. Louis' No. 3 prospect, and Alcantara is ninth. Also, the Marlins have shown interest in Cards right-hander Michael Wacha and outfielder/first baseman Jose Martinez, according to a report by Venezuelan baseball journalist Wilmer Reina. Martínez, who posted an .897 OPS in 106 games for St. Louis this year, could replace Stanton in right field for Miami.

Stanton has been aware of the possibility of a trade for months. But he's taken a deliberate approach in considering his options, in part because he wanted to make sure the Dodgers -- his preferred destination -- have every opportunity to get involved.

As of Sunday, the Dodgers and Marlins were still in contact regarding Stanton, but they have not made progress toward a deal, according to one source. The Dodgers are enamored with Stanton's power, but they are concerned about the luxury-tax implications of trading for him.

Stanton has 10 years and $295 million left on his contract, which includes an opt-out clause following the 2020 season. Stanton could ask that the opt-out clause be moved to a different point in the contract, as a condition for waiving his no-trade clause.